Pages

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Our Argentinian adventure indeed started with 10 days spent in Uruguay ! To be precise in José Ignacio, a former fishing village now turned into one of the top places in South America. From Buenos Aires you have several options to travel there. You can wether take the boat, cross the « Rio de la Plata » and reach the harbors of Colonia de Sacramento ( 1H cruise , very nice colonial city ) or Montevideo( 3H ). Book your tickets at buquebus.

Then you can rent a car in both places and drive north to José Ignacio ( count 3H from Colonia or 1H30 from Montevideo ). Be aware that car rentals are not cheap at all in Uruguay and very comparable or more expensive then what you’d experience in Europe or in the US.

The second option, and by far the best for short stays, is to fly from BA to Punta del Este. Then your hotel can arrange your transfer to José Ignacio ( 40mn / 70 USD ). Several airlines do fly to « Punta » from the BA city airport. Our recommendation is to go for PLUNA. Count on average 200 USD for round trip. Be aware Pluna will charge you with 20 USD per luggage ( 10 USD should you check in online ) and you will have to pay the aiport tax when returning from Uruguay which amounts to 31USD.

Punta del Este area, and in particular José Ignacio, are not cheap places where to stay during the December – January summer peak season. Our recommendation is to travel there in March. You will enjoy fantastic weather, hot water, empty beaches and much more affordable pricing.

That was to cover the practical part about « how to get there ». As this is done, let me tell you one thing : Uruguay is a fantastic place to discover. Very friendly and service oriented people, much preserved sea and country sides, excellent food and more to discover in the upcoming posts.